What does “Jest with an ass and he will flap you in the face with his tail.” mean?

"Jest with an ass and he will flap you in the face with his tail" means that one should be careful when joking with people who may not understand the joke or who may take offense, as it is used to warn against mocking or teasing others.

What context can I use the in?

Example

He didn't realize that the person he was joking with was sensitive, and as a result, jest with an ass and he will flap you in the face with his tail.

Example

She thought it was funny to tease her friend about his appearance, but he didn't take it well. Jest with an ass and he will flap you in the face with his tail.

Example

They were making fun of their teacher's accent, not realizing that jest with an ass and he will flap you in the face with his tail. They ended up getting in trouble

Is “Jest with an ass and he will flap you in the face with his tail.” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?

“Jest with an ass and he will flap you in the face with his tail.” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.

How would I use “Jest with an ass and he will flap you in the face with his tail.” effectively in context?

You can use "Jest with an ass and he will flap you in the face with his tail" to caution someone against mocking or teasing others, especially those who may not understand the joke or who may take offense. It serves as a reminder to be mindful of the potential consequences of making fun of someone. For example, if a friend is about to make a joke at someone else's expense, you might say, 'Remember, jest with an ass and he will flap you in the face with his tail.'

1Friendship
He didn't realize that the person he was joking with was sensitive, and as a result, jest with an ass and he will flap you in the face with his tail.
2Teasing
She thought it was funny to tease her friend about his appearance, but he didn't take it well. Jest with an ass and he will flap you in the face with his tail.
3Making fun of others
They were making fun of their teacher's accent, not realizing that jest with an ass and he will flap you in the face with his tail. They ended up getting in trouble.

Similar phrases to “Jest with an ass and he will flap you in the face with his tail.”:

Don't bite the hand that feeds you

To not harm or show ingratitude towards someone who helps or supports you

Example

He shouldn't have criticized his boss publicly. After all, don't bite the hand that feeds you.

Give someone a taste of their own medicine

To treat someone in the same negative way they have treated others

Example

She was always making fun of others, so it was about time someone gave her a taste of her own medicine.

Walk a mile in someone else's shoes

To try to understand someone's perspective or experiences before judging them

Example

Before criticizing her decisions, you should try to walk a mile in someone else's shoes.

Good things to know:

Where does the phrase “Jest with an ass and he will flap you in the face with his tail.” come from?

The origin of the phrase "Jest with an ass and he will flap you in the face with his tail" is unknown.

Is “Jest with an ass and he will flap you in the face with his tail.” common in everyday conversation?

The phrase "Jest with an ass and he will flap you in the face with his tail" is not commonly used in everyday conversation. It is more often encountered in literature or as a way to emphasize the importance of being cautious with one's words.

What tone does “Jest with an ass and he will flap you in the face with his tail.” have?

"Jest with an ass and he will flap you in the face with his tail" conveys a tone of warning and caution. It is meant to remind people to be mindful of the potential consequences of mocking or teasing others.

Can “Jest with an ass and he will flap you in the face with his tail.” be used in informal and formal settings?

The phrase "Jest with an ass and he will flap you in the face with his tail" is considered formal. It is not commonly used in casual conversations, but it can be used in more serious discussions or when emphasizing the need for sensitivity and respect towards others.

Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?

The phrase is typically used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'Be careful what you say, jest with an ass and he will flap you in the face with his tail.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Remember, jest with an ass and he will flap you in the face with his tail.' to imply caution.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

mock at your peril
tease with caution
be mindful of your jests
think twice before mocking
beware of mocking fools

Antonyms

jest freely without consequences
mock without repercussions
tease without backlash
make fun without regret
mock without fear